“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell and got back up again.”

~ Nelson Mandela ~

               Life’s challenges can teach us valuable lessons and help us grow in ways we never expected. Even in

               difficult times, there are chances to discover new strengths and possibilities. Each setback is an

               opportunity to learn, reflect and use that experience to grow stronger.

               History is full of people who found hope and strength in hardship. Here are a few examples:

               Nelson Mandela – He spent 27 years in prison, yet he used that time to reflect, learn and prepare for

               a future of unity in South Africa. Instead of letting anger guide him, he chose forgiveness and reconciliation.

               Walt Disney – He was fired from a newspaper early in his career for “lacking imagination” and endured

               multiple business failures before creating a global legacy of creativity and joy.

               Albert Einstein – He didn’t speak fluently until he was about four years old and struggled in school,

               but his curiosity and persistence made him one of history’s greatest minds.

               Malala Yousafzai – After surviving an attack for speaking out about girls’ education, she continued

               her advocacy, becoming the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate.

               J.K. Rowling – Before Harry Potter became a success, she was a struggling single mother rejected

               by publishers many times. She later said those hardships taught her resilience and sharpened her

               focus on what mattered most.

               Nick Vujicic – Born in Melbourne without arms or legs, he has become a global motivational speaker,

               showing extraordinary resilience and inspiring millions worldwide.

               Richard Scolyer – An Australian pathologist and 2024 Australian of the Year, was diagnosed with

               an aggressive brain cancer. Despite this, he has continued his groundbreaking work in melanoma research,

               applying his own discoveries to his treatment and inspiring many with his courage and determination.

               Turia Pitt – An Australian ultramarathon runner who suffered burns to 65% of her body in a

               grassfire, defied the odds to survive and rebuild her life. She has become a motivational

               speaker, author and humanitarian, inspiring millions with her courage and determination.

               (Turia is pictured below completing the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii –

               3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km marathon – just five years after her life-changing injuries.)

Remember, resilience gives us the courage to keep going, no matter how hard the path.